Sometimes diversity is a touchy subject, and people tend to lay off and not say much. But three students of Asian heritage recently interviewed by Y-Press had a lot to say about their identities and place in the United States.

Eugene Kwon, 16, was born in Indianapolis and attends North Central High School. His parents emigrated from South Korea around 1978.

Ada Wan, 15, was born in Hong Kong and moved to Carmel about seven years ago. Her mother was born in China but grew up in Taiwan. They speak Mandarin at home.

Like Ada, 16-year-old Frank Kuok's family is of Chinese-Taiwanese descent and speaks Mandarin at home. Born in Portland, Ore., he also lives in Carmel.

Here are their stories.

Eugene:

I consider myself Korean. I kind of cringe when people call me American or even Korean-American. I guess I have to admit that I am an Asian-American, but I like to think of myself as a little more Korean.

Lately I've really been interested a lot more in my own culture, my own ethnicity. I still can't speak the language; I can barely read it. . . . I'm just happy that I'm Asian.

Korean people are probably some of the most stubborn people you will ever find. Once they get an idea into their heads, it's like a steel trap.

(Koreans) only know, like, three cities -- L.A., Chicago and New York. They only know of two colleges, Yale and Harvard. . . . There's always pressure to do well.

A lot of parents I know really discipline their children. It's not like beating them, but they do give them spankings, a lot of times up until their late high school years.

I don't think it's abuse. A lot of my friends have trouble understanding.

(A common stereotype) is that Asian people are geniuses. It used to bother me a lot that a lot of people would kind of lump me into that group. It doesn't really matter to me anymore. . . . It's good to have something to set you apart.

You can almost use your race as a springboard and kind of jump into situations a lot easier because you're a little different. Once people really realize that you're not weird just because you don't look the same, that's when all the walls are broken down.

There are times when I do feel more comfortable with people of my own race because there are just little things that are different, little subtleties. . . . Like, Korean people as a whole, we're a lot more filial. We're a closer type of people.

Ada:

I don't think I've ever been discriminated against. It's self-discrimination. I tend to feel inferior to people who are very American. Since we live in Carmel, it seems like (true Americans) are white with a lot of money, cool clothing. Just skin color, I guess.

I don't think prejudices or discrimination come from any other people; it didn't for me. It just came from within me. I was jealous of anyone that seemed to have an advantage in anything over me because of their difference, such as skin color.

The flat nose -- it's so different from a white person's. Your features are more prominent, and I just wish mine were, too. And I wish my eyes were bigger because they are very expressive. Big helps you express yourself more.

I would want to step in one of your shoes, just to see how you guys live differently and face different pressures -- probably a lot less academic pressure.

I do feel uncomfortable around people of other cultural backgrounds because I feel like I have to go a step further to prove myself capable or to be on the same level as them. I tend to feel more comfortable around people of the same cultural background 'cause we share the same interests and pressures from our parents.

A lot of people have knowledge of what the stereotypes for Chinese people are, but they don't really know what our culture is like. They think we're kind of nerdy.

(To break down stereotypes), we can try to become more American in essence. Be more open, participate in more Americanized sports and activities. Try to break social barriers, social groups, instead of just sticking with our own Chinese groups.

Frank:

I've never really faced discrimination in the U.S. When I lived in Singapore, there were a lot of people who were from England and other parts of the world who thought they were superior. (We) were so little. . . . I guess they thought they could boss us around.

But like when I got back to the States, there was none of that uncomfortable feeling around white people anymore. I guess in Singapore I didn't see a lot of white people, and that's when I felt uncomfortable.

When I was a little kid, I just thought discrimination was when people made fun of you, saying those Chinese jokes. I couldn't care less about that type of stuff now. I just find it a joke now.

Most Asian parents I know want their kids to be Number 1. Most of my friends who are Asian are all 4.0s. I mean, when I lost my 4.0, my parents just went berserk. They expect (me) to be the next Bill Gates, but the Chinese Bill Gates.

Sometimes I feel singled out when I'm in a big crowd of people, I guess because I'm Chinese. At Carmel (High School), there's very few black people. I was surprised to see like two Muslims there. The majority is white, but there are a lot of Asians.

I'm Christian Protestant. My parents celebrate Christmas, New Year's and Thanksgiving. As for the Chinese holidays, I don't like doing them other than Chinese New Year, and that's because of the fact that I do get money.

I guess I don't like them that much because I really don't understand them. My parents really haven't explained to me the whole meaning of them. We just do it because my parents are Chinese, so they think it's their obligation to tell me what it's about.

My parents really don't care about me dating. Just dating in general, they don't care, but when it gets farther than that, they do care. They would prefer an Asian because when they think of marriage and kids and all, they don't like the idea that the kid won't look like me at all.

ASSISTANT EDITORS: Rachel Goertemiller, 15; Jama Riley, 17; and Kristen Schubert, 15.

REPORTER: Tyler Smith, 13.